Arthur Joseph Thomas

Arthur "Art" Joseph Thomas, age 86, of Lacey, Washington, passed away on Sunday, July 18, 2021. Art was born April 4, 1935, to Chester and Anna Thomas in Dearborn, Michigan. Art attended Fordson High School, where he met the love of his life Arlene Bushey. Following high school Art attended Michigan State University where he studied Forestry and graduated in 1958. Following this he received a Master's Degree in Accounting from the University of Puget Sound.

Art and Arlene were married June 7, 1958, in Dearborn, Michigan, and moved to the Pacific Northwest shortly thereafter. Together they raised Gregory and Lynn. Art and Arlene celebrated 63 years of marriage.

When not working for the US Forest Service or Green River Community College, Art enjoyed woodworking. He was known to be a perfectionist in his woodworking and enjoyed making wood strip boats and all kinds of furniture. Art also enjoyed fishing (in his earlier years), gardening, and rowing. He rowed every morning except Sundays. All together Art last recorded 73,447,377 meters rowed.

Art is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ernest.

He is survived by his loving wife Arlene; Children: Gregory Thomas (Anita), Lynn VanBuskirk (Ben); Grandchildren: Jennifer Harralston, Nick VanBuskirk, Jeremy VanBuskirk (Kayla), Kelly Burgess (Justin); and Great Grandchildren: Carter, Brenner, Kylia, Tessa, Jase.